Arabsat Aims to Assure Customers
In Wake of Major Launch Failure

LOS ANGELES -- Middle Eastern satellite operator Arabsat, seeking to reassure customers and stave off rivals after a major launch failure two weeks ago, is considering leasing additional capacity and possibly even purchasing a satellite already in orbit.

Confronting the total loss of its newest satellite valued at nearly $200 million, and with the timing of its next launch uncertain, Arabsat is mulling various responses, Chief Executive Khalid Ahmed Balkhyour said in an interview. The choices, which have to be made within...